As reported by the USA Today, the NBA Board of Governors gave permission for the Palms Resort and Casino in Las Vegas to start taking bets on all NBA teams with the exception of the Sacramento Kings due the dual ownership between the casino and the Kings. Palms casino is owned by the Maloof family who also own the Kings, the agreement is comparable to a deal between the NBA and the Las Vegas hotel and casino operator, Harrah's Entertainment Inc., whose chief executive Gary Loveman owns a percentage of the Boston Celtics. Harrah's casinos are allowed to take bets on all NBA games except those involving the Celtics.

"We went to the board of governors committee a while back and asked them to lift the ban at the casino. We gave them some reasons why we thought it was a smart move and why it would be beneficial for us and everyone involved. Everyone agreed it was an antiquated law. It just allows us to be on a level playing field with all the other casinos in the city. It's mainly for our customers. If a customer wanted to enjoy himself in the sports book, he wasn't able to make a bet at the Palms. He had to take a cab and go somewhere else. And when he's gone, who knows if he comes back" Joe Maloof said.

Maloof said the company took the petition to NBA Board of Governors about eight months ago and it arranged to vote it during the first available meeting, which took place yesterday. Gavin Maloof and the Sacramento team president, John Thomas were both present at the committee assembly in New York. Maloof said that even when the NBA does not represent "a huge windfall" in profits for the Palms Casino, the addition of NBA games signifies a great convenience to their customers, which is why the Palms intend to include the service as soon as possible.